Is Del Zotto an offensive upgrade over Klein? Absolutely. He’s a former first-round pick who notched 41 points in 77 games with the Rangers in 2011-12. Klein’s best was the 21 points he mustered that season.

In dealing Klein, the Predators give up some defense, but it’s also a sign they believe that Victor Bartley is ready to assume Klein’s role.

Granted, Del Zotto has been inconsistent of late and had trouble finding a role with new coach Alain Vigneault in New York. But he has excellent upside, whereas Klein had reached his potential. Del Zotto is 23 years old and Klein is 29.

Also, general manager David Poile said he hoped to sign Del Zotto (a pending restricted free agent) in the offseason.

What does this mean for Shea Weber?

Weber is now the oldest player on Nashville’s blueline — by three years over Bartley and by 284 games over Del Zotto.

Weber is the only remaining member of Nashville’s 2003 draft class. Weber, Klein and Ryan Suter formed a nucleus that, for a while, also included Alexander Sulzer.

Now, with a young defensive core that is getting younger, would Weber be expendable via trade? Nashville has staunchly said it won’t trade its captain. But this defense group looks like it’s in rebuilding mode. And with Weber playing as well as ever, his value might never be higher.

While a Weber deal probably won’t happen, you have to wonder what he thinks about Klein being dealt for a younger player.

You also have to wonder whether the Predators thought this trade could help provide the flexibility to deal Weber ever.

This is a deal for Seth Jones

The Predators had too many right-handed shooting defenseman, so Jones had to play a little out of position on the left side — not his natural spot.

Del Zotto is a left-handed shot and should slide in quickly with the rookie on the second pair as a left defenseman

While Del Zotto doesn’t fit the bill as a veteran lefty who could help mentor Jones, he does have 292 games of NHL experience and 32 games of playoff experience.